VPN

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic between your device and the provider’s server. That has two practical effects: your internet provider and anyone on the same network cannot see which sites you are visiting, and websites see the VPN server’s location rather than yours.

Where it genuinely helps: public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés and airports, where you have no idea who else is on the network; and keeping browsing private from your internet provider.

Worth being straight about what it does not do. It does not make you anonymous — you are still logged in to the accounts you use — and it does not protect against malware or phishing. It is one layer, not a substitute for security software.

The practical costs are a small speed reduction and, occasionally, sites that block VPN traffic.

Check the device count, the term and the platforms covered on any licence before buying. VPN is also bundled into the higher tiers of most security suites, which is often better value.

See antivirus software.